A Multipurpose Bedroom Box Is This Tiny Apartment’s Genius Solution
Batiik Studio fashions a minimalist black box that integrates the bedroom, bathroom, and storage to save space in this small Parisian flat.
After buying a worn-down, 244-square-foot apartment in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, the owner of Achille—a young bachelor—stripped away the wallpaper, hauled in his temporary furniture, and spent a couple months living in the small space to let it guide the design direction.
After some time, he envisioned a renovation with space-saving solutions that would retain and celebrate the rough-hewn character of the original apartment.
The sleeping nook can be accessed via steps with storage underneath.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
He enlisted the help of French architecture and interior design practice Batiik Studio to bring his ideas to life.
A "space cube" made of Fenix NTM's matte nanotech material and warm oak serves as a sleeping nook and storage.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
Get the Renovations Newsletter
From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.
Working within his budget of just under $40,000, Rebecca Benichou, founder of Batiik Studio, came up with the concept of a black wooden box that integrates the bed, closet, and bathroom to optimize space.
The modern space celebrates the rough-hewn character of the old apartment.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
With the help of MMD Construction, the architects removed an existing partition wall and created a "space cube" made of Fenix NTM's matte nanotech material combined with warm oak.
The cube is connected to a kitchenette with built-in cabinetry.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
The cube, which is positioned in one corner of the apartment, contains a sleeping nook that can be accessed via steps with storage underneath, and a wardrobe and bathroom with doors that are almost unnoticeable.
A kitchen counter with built-in cabinetry
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
The cube is connected to a discrete kitchenette with built-in cabinetry.
The walls of the apartment were left unplastered.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
On one side of the cube, black doors that meld with the wall open to reveal an efficient wardrobe and a surprisingly bright marble bedroom.
On one side of the cube, black doors that meld with the wall open to reveal an efficient wardrobe and a surprisingly bright marble bedroom.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
Beyond the cube, the walls of the apartment were left unplastered, and their exposed patina in varied colors imbue the space with an artistic atmosphere that brings to mind the raw beauty of ancient European ruins. Wooden parquet floors and high ceilings with moldings add contemporary elegance to the interiors.
The remaining floor area was freed up, so the owner had room to create a small living lounge.
Courtesy of Bertrand Fompeyrine
By placing the space cube in the corner, the remaining floor area was freed up, so the owner had room to create a small living lounge where he can place his vintage furniture and display his decorative objects.
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Batiik Studio
Builder: MMD Construction
Published
Last Updated